NCAA Tournament Second Round Game Thread

[YanksFan1992]

Saturday:
UCLA-Villanova
Maryland-Memphis
Texas A&M-UCONN
LSU-UNC
Michigan-Oklahoma
Washington-Purdue
Western Kentucky-Gonzaga
Texas-Duke

Sunday:
Arizona State-Syracuse
Wisconsin-Xavier
Dayton-Kansas
Cleveland State-Arizona
Oklahoma State-Pitt
Marquette-Missouri
USC-Michigan State
Louisville-Siena

Let's go Huskies! (it'd be nice if A&M could win as well ).

[YanksFan1992]

Time for 8 hours of basketball.

[BroadwayBomber55]

Jamie,

Let's see if the Pac-10 can get at least two or three teams in the second weekend (Sweet 16 and Elite Eight).

[YanksFan1992]

Jamie,

Let's see if the Pac-10 can get at least two or three teams in the second weekend (Sweet 16 and Elite Eight).

In order of best chance of making it to least chance, I'd go:

Washington
Arizona
UCLA
Arizona State
USC

Although I do think every Pac-10 team has a decent shot at winning in the next two days.

[BroadwayBomber55]

In order of best chance of making it to least chance, I'd go:

Washington
Arizona
UCLA
Arizona State
USC

Although I do think every Pac-10 team has a decent shot at winning in the next two days.

The Pac-10 usually does well in the NCAA Tournament.

Sure, the Conference haven't won a National title since 1997 when Arizona won it all, but they had at least one team in the 2nd weekend since their last National title except two tournaments (1999 and 2004).

They have done more with less.

[RhodeyYankee2638]

In order of best chance of making it to least chance, I'd go:

Washington
Arizona
UCLA
Arizona State
USC

Although I do think every Pac-10 team has a decent shot at winning in the next two days.

There will be no Pac-10 teams left next weekend

[YanksFan1992]

There will be no Pac-10 teams left next weekend

You can't be serious.

I'd place a very, very large bet on Washington winning today.

[dabomb2045]

You can't be serious.

I'd place a very, very large bet on Washington winning today.

I went with Purdue on my brackets.....we'll see

[RhodeyYankee2638]

You can't be serious.

I'd place a very, very large bet on Washington winning today.

Purdue is gonna smoke them

[RhodeyYankee2638]

I'd place a very, very large bet on Washington winning today.

Double or nothing?

[BroadwayBomber55]

It's getting really chippy in Philly right now between UCLA and Villanova.

[roblyo33]

I see that UCLA has decided to play like thugs in this one.

[26 and counting]

I see that UCLA has decided to play like thugs in this one.

They're a bunch of wusses. Down 44-31 at the half.

[CanoForPresident]

They're a bunch of wusses. Down 44-31 at the half.

I would have said baby blue pansies but wusses works too

[dabomb2045]

Villanova showing UCLA what physical Big East basketball is all about

[TheManKnownAsMecca]

UCLA is just being outplayed in every aspect of the game. That being said, Villanova is enjoying their basically home court advantage and won't go too much further.

[26 and counting]

UCLA is just being outplayed in every aspect of the game. That being said, Villanova is enjoying their basically home court advantage and won't go too much further.

Do you think they have a shot at beating Duke in the Sweet 16, or Pittsburgh in the Elite 8?

I do. I think that this year in college basketball, the top seeds are so evenly matched that just about anybody seeded #1 through #4 has a shot to win the title.

[roblyo33]

Do you think they have a shot at beating Duke in the Sweet 16, or Pittsburgh in the Elite 8?

I do. I think that this year in college basketball, the top seeds are so evenly matched that just about anybody seeded #1 through #4 has a shot to win the title.

Villanova is as good as any team in this tourney and, you're right, it is wide open, especially 1 thru 4 seeds.

[dabomb2045]

Do you think they have a shot at beating Duke in the Sweet 16, or Pittsburgh in the Elite 8?

I do. I think that this year in college basketball, the top seeds are so evenly matched that just about anybody seeded #1 through #4 has a shot to win the title.

I have them beating Duke next round. They are a better team then Duke IMO....better defensive team, more toughness and much better inside play.

I have a Nova-Pitt matchup in the Elite 8

[TheManKnownAsMecca]

Do you think they have a shot at beating Duke in the Sweet 16, or Pittsburgh in the Elite 8?

I do. I think that this year in college basketball, the top seeds are so evenly matched that just about anybody seeded #1 through #4 has a shot to win the title.

Nova could beat Duke or Texas but I see this being the end of the road for them. Once they leave home they won't play nearly as well as they did today. Truth be told if their first game wasn't there they probably would have lost to American.

[dabomb2045]

Nova could beat Duke or Texas but I see this being the end of the road for them. Once they leave home they won't play nearly as well as they did today. Truth be told if their first game wasn't there they probably would have lost to American.

Nova can play lockdown defense on the perimeter....that spells big problems for Duke because they have zero inside game. Stop Scheyer and Singler from getting open looks and you beat Duke. Henderson is also the only perimeter guy who can do anything off the dribble.

Duke hasnt had a good inside game since Shelden Williams, and not a real good one since Boozer.

[TheManKnownAsMecca]

Nova can play lockdown defense on the perimeter....that spells big problems for Duke because they have zero inside game. Stop Scheyer and Singler from getting open looks and you beat Duke. Henderson is also the only perimeter guy who can do anything off the dribble.

Duke hasnt had a good inside game since Shelden Williams, and not a real good one since Boozer.

I am a Duke fan and am very aware of their limitations. That being said, while Nova can play lockdown D they were very suspect against American. If American can do alright from the perimeter I expect Duke to do the same or better if they get past Texas. Nova is a solid team, especially at home, but now we'll see what they are made of in the next round.

[roblyo33]

If 'Nova plays like this they can beat anybody. Although, the "Cubbies" didn't put up much of a fight. It was like men against boys out there.

[26 and counting]

Memphis is dominating Maryland so far. 31-15 with about 8 min remaining, 1st half.

EDIT: Maryland gets two consecutive buckets, cuts the Memphis lead to 31-19.

[roblyo33]

Duke is going to be tested against Texas but, I think they have really improved as the year has gone on. Nova - Duke should be a good game. I think it will be high scoring, especially if Duke is hitting their treys.

[YanksFan1992]

Having just one competitive game today would be appreciated.

[RhodeyYankee2638]

I hate these commentators. UConn with a 22 point lead, and Bilas makes an amazing point "Price is the only 3 point threat for Uconn, that will come back to bite them in the 2nd half." Really????

[BroadwayBomber55]

Memphis defeats Maryland 89-70.

The ACC down to two teams in the Tournament: Duke and North Carolina

[26 and counting]

Connecticut Huskies are back in the Sweet 16!

Honestly, I'm surprised at how easily they won this game over Texas A & M.

[roblyo33]

Connecticut Huskies are back in the Sweet 16!

Honestly, I'm surprised at how easily they won this game over Texas A & M.

When UConn brings their A game, they are the best team in the country....IMO. Unfortunately, they have a tendency to take games off.

[dabomb2045]

When UConn brings their A game, they are the best team in the country....IMO. Unfortunately, they have a tendency to take games off.

I think its UNC. And unfortunately, they also have a tendency to sleepwalk alot

[YanksFan1992]

Ugh....

[dabomb2045]

There's an example of UNC sleepwalking....coming out the locker room with zero intensity and acting like they had the game won or something

So typical of this team--so frustrating as a fan to see such talented players just half ass it so much of the time

[YanksFan1992]

We just can't stop them on D. Every time we start to going on a run they answer us.

[26 and counting]

We just can't stop them on D. Every time we start to going on a run they answer us.

Sorry 1992. Connecticut will face Purdue in the Sweet 16.

[trapper700]

it still upsets me that UConn/Calhoun lost out on Stephenson, Thompson, Davis, Lawson and Ellington to UNC. But i guess it's not really surprising when all you have to do is ask MJ to make a phone call.

[dabomb2045]

it still upsets me that UConn/Calhoun lost out on Stephenson, Thompson, Davis, Lawson and Ellington to UNC. But i guess it's not really surprising when all you have to do is ask MJ to make a phone call.

I wouldnt be missing Thompson--nothing special. Remains to be seen on Davis. Ellington annoys me cuz he always has bad shooting performances in big games. Lawson's the real deal.

[dabomb2045]

Lawson's trying to carry the team right now....playing thru pain but having a great 2nd half here

Wish the rest of the team could follow his lead

[dabomb2045]

Ellington's coming alive!

[dabomb2045]

Great 2nd half of bball by Lawson....I think his play really got the team going. Ellington started knocking down shots and they finally started to control the boards. Good win.

[just-blaze]

it still upsets me that UConn/Calhoun lost out on Stephenson, Thompson, Davis, Lawson and Ellington to UNC. But i guess it's not really surprising when all you have to do is ask MJ to make a phone call.

Im missing the sarcasm here?

[trapper700]

Im missing the sarcasm here?

not really. I remember wanting Davis, especially, to come to UConn. Recruiting always seems to be the one thing UConn can't do as well as some other schools. The player this past year that I really wanted was Durand Scott. But, maybe he'll ask Miami to let him out of his LOI if Frank Haith leaves for Alabama.

I'm not saying that I'm not happy with the players we do get, just that we miss out on a lot more "big names" (or McD AAs) than I feel we should be. I'd say Calhoun is pretty successful at helping players progress into successful NBA talent. But maybe the fact that he's old, has had cancer and makes his players bust their butts during practice is a big turn-off for most players coming out of HS.

[ojo]

not really. I remember wanting Davis, especially, to come to UConn. Recruiting always seems to be the one thing UConn can't do as well as some other schools. The player this past year that I really wanted was Durand Scott. But, maybe he'll ask Miami to let him out of his LOI if Frank Haith leaves for Alabama.

I'm not saying that I'm not happy with the players we do get, just that we miss out on a lot more "big names" (or McD AAs) than I feel we should be. I'd say Calhoun is pretty successful at helping players progress into successful NBA talent. But maybe the fact that he's old, has had cancer and makes his players bust their butts during practice is a big turn-off for most players coming out of HS.

trapper trapper trapper....



i grew up in CT (born in '70) and moved out in '85 (dad moved us to FL)...i grew up as the big east formed. i rooted for CT as often and as hard as a kid could...in an era where UConn's scores garnered little interest...even in CT. it was all Syracuse, St. Johns, G'Town, etc..but little CT was always there to pick up the slack (or, bottom of conference).

then Calhoun arrived after a success stint at NorthEastern...by then i'm in FL. but lo and behold he has them winning the NIT championship. then they're in the NCAA's...and he kept ascending them through the 90s to that fateful night v Duke in '99...and of course '04.

all the while the guy's grabbed premium talent (his specialty tends to be wingmen) and turning them out to the pros...

currently the NBA's rosters contain more huskies than any other program...

i mean, i'm not saying that to show you up - and in fact, i'm sure you may already know that...just saying calhoun gets who he wants to get, at least as much as any other program not on tobacco road.

when you have michael jordan and coach K's AMEX commercials on during the final four, you have pull that no other institution has.

after all that, i'm not all that sure i said anything that added value...haha...but it's fun to type it.

it's unreal where this program has come from.

and now i'm a USF alum that watches his lambs led to slaughter once a season vs the mighty Huskies.

[trapper700]

trapper trapper trapper....



i grew up in CT (born in '70) and moved out in '85 (dad moved us to FL)...i grew up as the big east formed. i rooted for CT as often and as hard as a kid could...in an era where UConn's scores garnered little interest...even in CT. it was all Syracuse, St. Johns, G'Town, etc..but little CT was always there to pick up the slack (or, bottom of conference).

then Calhoun arrived after a success stint at NorthEastern...by then i'm in FL. but lo and behold he has them winning the NIT championship. then they're in the NCAA's...and he kept ascending them through the 90s to that fateful night v Duke in '99...and of course '04.

all the while the guy's grabbed premium talent (his specialty tends to be wingmen) and turning them out to the pros...

currently the NBA's rosters contain more huskies than any other program...

i mean, i'm not saying that to show you up - and in fact, i'm sure you may already know that...just saying calhoun gets who he wants to get, at least as much as any other program not on tobacco road.

when you have michael jordan and coach K's AMEX commercials on during the final four, you have pull that no other institution has.

after all that, i'm not all that sure i said anything that added value...haha...but it's fun to type it.

it's unreal where this program has come from.

and now i'm a USF alum that watches his lambs led to slaughter once a season vs the mighty Huskies.

Oh, by no means am i complaining about the players we do get (well, most of them). Regardless of what i said earlier, i think calhoun still does a really good job at turning who he does recruit into a great player. I'm just concerned about what will happen after he leaves.

Especially since the state of CT doesn't want to put in the funding for a new basketball training facility, ours is out of date and the football complex shows how successful something like that is at bringing in prospects.

[just-blaze]

not really. I remember wanting Davis, especially, to come to UConn. Recruiting always seems to be the one thing UConn can't do as well as some other schools. The player this past year that I really wanted was Durand Scott. But, maybe he'll ask Miami to let him out of his LOI if Frank Haith leaves for Alabama.

I'm not saying that I'm not happy with the players we do get, just that we miss out on a lot more "big names" (or McD AAs) than I feel we should be. I'd say Calhoun is pretty successful at helping players progress into successful NBA talent. But maybe the fact that he's old, has had cancer and makes his players bust their butts during practice is a big turn-off for most players coming out of HS.

Well, you listed more than just Davis. But point taken.

[YanksFan1992]

........

[roblyo33]

Lawson and Ellington were terrific. Great win by NC.

[dabomb2045]

Even though I was hoping for a Purdue win since I picked them.....sorry about the loss YF

[26 and counting]

I had Washington beating UConn to go to the Elite 8. Oh well.

[roblyo33]

If Henderson was playing well Duke would be running away with this.